Keira Knightley to play Coco Chanel

Actress Keira Knightley is to play legendary French fashion designer Coco Chanel in a new short film directed by Karl Lagerfeld.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star, who is an ambassador for the fashion house's perfumes, will team up with the brand's famous creative director for the project, which is being made to mark 100 years since the opening of Chanel's first boutique in France.

The film will be shot in Paris and screened at the label's upcoming collection launch in Singapore in May.

Coco Chanel, who died in 1971, has previously been portrayed by Audrey Tautou in 2009 movie Coco Before Chanel, and Shirley MacLaine in 2008 TV film Coco Chanel.